Means and methods for influencing the stability of cells

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell, comprising directly or indirectly influencing the amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp 1 expression product within said antibody producing cell. Stable antibody producing cells and cell lines are also provided, as well as methods for producing antibodies using such cells and/or cell lines.

The invention relates to the field of cell biology.

Ex vivo cell cultures are important tools in current biological and medical applications. One important application is culturing antibody producing cells in order to harvest antibodies, preferably monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) represent multiple identical copies of a single antibody molecule which copies bind to antigens with the same affinity and promote the same effector functions. Amongst the benefits of mAbs is their specificity for the same epitope on an antigen. This specificity confers certain clinical advantages on mAbs over more conventional treatments while offering patients an effective, well tolerated therapy option with generally low side effects. Moreover mAbs are useful for biological and medical research.

The proliferative capacity of most primary cells in culture is limited by the induction of senescence. This state of irreversible growth-arrest is characterized by expression of a number of senescence-associated markers, such as senescence-associated beta-galactosidase, plasminogen-activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), p19^(ARF), p53, p21^(CIP1), and p16^(INK4A). In order to provide a proliferating cell line, cells are often fused to cancer cells in order to produce hybridoma cells. The resulting hybridoma cells are capable of dividing indefinitely and grow well in cell culture. Individual hybridomas with a desired characteristic can then be selected for a given purpose.

In order to directly obtain human monoclonal antibodies with a desired specificity it would be convenient to isolate a B cell capable of producing such antibody and to culture the B cell ex vivo. However, hybridoma technology with human B cells has not been very successful because the resulting hybridomas are unstable. Many attempts for ex vivo culturing of B cells have been undertaken. It is well documented that human naïve and memory B cells can be cultured for a limited period following engagement of CD40 in the presence of cytokines, including IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 (Banchereau et al., 1991) and it is believed that this system mimics the in vivo response of B cells towards cognate antigen primed CD40L-expressing helper T cells. In the absence of CD40 ligation, IL-10 alone or in combination with IL-2 induces differentiation into antibody-producing cells (Malisan et al., 1996). The mechanisms of regulation of survival and proliferation of mature B cells cultured under these conditions are only partly known.

Engagement of CD40 on B cells has multiple effects including protection against apoptosis, (partial) inhibition of differentiation and induction of cytokine responsiveness by B cells. Expression of a large number of cell cycle inhibitors was decreased by CD40 engagement including Rb-1 and Rb-2 (Dadgostar et al., 2002) and it is likely that downregulation of such genes release resting B cells from quiescence. Although CD40 triggering leads to a brief proliferative response, cytokines are instrumental in sustaining cell cycle progression of the triggered B cells. IL-2 and IL-4 are the most efficient cytokines that promote continued cell cycle progression of CD40 or surface Ig-stimulated B cells. Yet, B cell cultures described in the above mentioned papers are only stable during a limited period.

Another approach for immortalizing B cells is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation. However the frequency of B cells that are transformed by EBV is low and therefore attempts to generate EBV transformed B cells that produce desired antibodies have met with little success. Recently, Traggiai et al have reported a method for more efficient Epstein-Barr virus transformation of human B cells that increased the frequency of B cells that were transformed. With this method B cells obtained from a patient who recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) infection were transformed with EBV and transformed B cell clones that produce monoclonal antibodies specific for SARS and other viral proteins were isolated (Traggiai et al, 2004).

Yet another approach for immortalizing B cells is described in patent application WO 03/052083. This application describes a method of stabilizing B cells wherein human B cells are transduced with constitutively active signal transducer of activation and transcription (CA-STAT). A prolonged life span of B cells was observed. Replicating B cells were however not capable of producing antibody at the same time. Antibodies could be obtained by halting the replication of the cells, thereby bringing about terminal differentiation. The terminally differentiated cells produced antibody during a restricted time, after which the differentiated cells died. However, the replicating B cells of WO 03/052083 lose their capability of developing into antibody producing cells after culturing of 1.5-2 months or longer, rendering these B cell cultures unsuitable for antibody production.

Although various approaches for culturing antibody producing cells have been described, there is still a need for means and methods for influencing the stability of antibody producing cells. It is an object of the present invention to provide such means and methods.

Accordingly the invention provides a method for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell, comprising directly or indirectly influencing the amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp-1 expression product within said antibody producing cell. Preferably the amounts of both BCL6 and Blimp-1 expression products within said antibody producing cell are regulated, since both expression products are involved in the stability of an antibody producing cell. The stability of an antibody producing cell is defined as the capability of said antibody producing cell to remain in a certain developmental stage (optionally after said cell has been brought into said stage). Different developmental stages of a cell involve at least one different characteristic of said cell. For instance, a memory B cell is known to differentiate upon stimulation into an antibody-secreting plasma cell via a stage which some researchers call a plasmablast. A memory B cell, a plasmablast and a plasma cell are different developmental stages of a B cell, wherein the B cell has different characteristics. A memory B cell exhibits low proliferation and antibody secretion. A plasmablast exhibits both higher proliferation and higher antibody secretion levels as compared to a memory B cell, whereas a plasma cell secretes high antibody levels but is not capable of proliferating. These three developmental stages are also characterised by differences in cell surface markers, as shown in Table 1.

With a method of the invention it has become possible to regulate the replicative life span of an antibody producing cell. A replicative life span of an antibody producing cell is defined herein as the time span wherein a B cell and its progeny cells are capable of replicating while maintaining their capability of producing antibody and/or developing into a cell that produces antibody. The replicative life span of an antibody producing cell is for instance shortened by forcing an antibody-producing cell to enter another developmental stage. In one embodiment the replicative life span of an antibody producing cell is shortened by forcing said cell into terminal differentiation. This is characterised by increased antibody production and cell cycle arrest. During terminal differentiation cells stop proliferating and eventually die. Preferably however the replicative life span of an antibody producing cell is prolonged, meaning that said antibody producing cell will not terminally differentiate—or only after a longer period as compared to the same kind of antibody producing cells that are currently used—and continue to proliferate in vitro. According to the invention it is possible to regulate the amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp-1 expression product in an antibody producing cell to such extent that the antibody producing cell is brought into, and/or kept in, a predetermined developmental state in which the cells continue to proliferate. With a method of the invention it has therefore become possible to increase the replicative life span of an antibody producing cell since it is possible to maintain a B cell in a certain developmental stage wherein replication occurs. In current ex vivo B cell cultures the replicative life span is only a few weeks to two months. After this time the cultured cell lose their capability of replicating, their capability of producing antibody and/or their capability of developing into a cell that produces antibody. With a method according to the current invention however it has become possible to prolong the replicative life span of antibody producing cells, so that ex vivo cultures are generated comprising cells that are capable of replicating and producing antibody (or developing into cells that produce antibody).

An antibody producing cell is defined as a cell which cell is capable of producing and/or secreting antibody or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, and/or which cell is capable of developing into a cell which is capable of producing and/or secreting antibody or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Preferably, said antibody producing cell comprises a B cell and/or a B cell-derived plasma cell. A B cell is called herein an antibody producing cell, even when the B cell is in a stage wherein antibody production is low or not present at all, such as a naïve B cell or a memory B cell, being activated or not, because such cells are capable of developing into cells that produce antibody, such as a plasmablast and/or plasma cell.

A functional part of an antibody is defined as a part which has at least one same property as said antibody in kind, not necessarily in amount. Said functional part is preferably capable of binding a same antigen as said antibody, albeit not necessarily to the same extent. A functional part of an antibody preferably comprises a single domain antibody, a single chain antibody and/or a FAB fragment. A functional derivative or analogue of an antibody is defined as an antibody which has been altered such that at least one property—preferably an antigen-binding property—of the resulting compound is essentially the same in kind, not necessarily in amount.

BCL6 encodes a transcriptional repressor which is required for normal B cell and T cell development and maturation and which is required for the formation of germinal centers. (Ye, 1997). BCL6 is highly expressed in germinal center B cells whereas it is hardly expressed in plasma cells. BCL6 inhibits differentiation of activated B cells into plasma cells. The transcriptional repressor B lymphocyte induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) is required for development of a B cell into a plasma cell. The human variant of Blimp-1 is named Prdm1. As used herein, any reference to Blimp-1 includes a reference to Prdm1. Blimp-1 drives plasma cell differentiation. BCL6 and Blimp-1 repress expression of the other; thus in a natural situation when one reaches an higher expression level than the other, the stage of differentiation is enforced. In the human body, differentiation of plasma cells from activated naïve or memory B cells involves downregulation of BCL6 and upregulation of Blimp-1. In germinal center cells BCL6 expression is high and Blimp-1 expression is low. In resting memory cells expression of BCL6 and Blimp-1 are low. Signals that trigger differentiation cause an upregulation of Blimp-1, and this Blimp-1 counteracts the expression of BCL6. The stage where both BCL6 and Blimp-1 are expressed is short-lived and is called a plasmablast. With progressively increasing Blimp-1 levels, BCL6 expression is extinguished, resulting in a plasma cell.

One embodiment provides a method according to the invention wherein BCL6 and Blimp-1 are co-expressed in an antibody producing cell (meaning that both BCL6 and Blimp-1 are expressed in an antibody producing cell) resulting in an antibody producing cell that is capable of proliferating when an appropriate signal is provided. It has been found that co-expression of BCL6 and Blimp-1 results in an antibody producing cell which is capable of both proliferating and producing antibody. BCL6 and Blimp-1 are preferably co-expressed in a B cell, preferably a human B cell. Co-expression of BCL6 and Blimp-1 in a B cell results in stabilization of said B cell in a plasmablast-like stage. Plasmablasts, like plasma cells, are capable of secreting antibody. However, plasmablasts are still capable of proliferating, whereas plasma cells have lost their capability of proliferating. Plasma cells are therefore unsuitable for culturing antibody-producing cell lines. Although plasmablasts exert highly favourable proliferating and antibody-producing characteristics, they have not yet been used for long term antibody production since it has not been possible to stabilize plasmablasts until the present invention.

With a method of the invention it has amongst other things become possible to convert a naïve B cell or a memory B cell into a plasmablast-like cell and to stabilize said cell, so that rapid differentiation into a plasma cell does not occur. This is contrary to natural development of plasma cells, wherein expression of Blimp-1 in a memory B cell results in rapid development into a plasma cell, thereby inhibiting BCL6 expression so that the resulting plasma cell hardly expresses BCL6. One embodiment of the present invention thus involves co-expression of both BCL6 and Blimp-1 in a B cell, resulting in a cell that is capable of both proliferating and producing antibody. Preferably a stable culture of B cells is generated. Stable long term ex vivo cultures of antibody producing cells have now become possible.

The amount of BCL6 expression product (preferably a BCL6 protein) in an antibody producing cell is regulated in a variety of ways. In one embodiment an antibody producing cell is provided with a compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing BCL6 expression. An antibody producing cell is preferably provided with a compound capable of enhancing BCL6 expression, in order to counteract downregulation of BCL6 during expression of Blimp-1. Such compound preferably comprises a Signal Transducer of Activation and Transcription 5 (STATS) protein or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, and/or a nucleic acid sequence coding therefore. STATS is a signal transducer capable of enhancing BCL6 expression. There are two known forms of STATS, STAT5a and STAT5b, which are encoded by two different, tandemly linked genes. Administration and/or activation of STATS results in enhanced BCL6 levels. Hence, downregulation of BCL6 by Blimp-1 is at least in part compensated by upregulation expression of BCL6 by STATS or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Hence, STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is capable of directly influencing BCL6 expression. It is also possible to indirectly influence BCL6 expression. This is for instance done by regulating the amount of a compound which in turn is capable of directly or indirectly activating STAT5 and/or regulating STAT5 expression. Hence, in one embodiment the expression and/or activity of endogenous and/or exogenous STAT5 is increased. It is for instance possible to indirectly enhance BCL6 expression by culturing an antibody producing cell in the presence of interleukin (IL) 2 and/or IL 4 which are capable of activating STAT5.

Preferably, an antibody producing cell is provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, wherein said nucleic acid sequence is constitutively active, meaning that STAT5 is continuously expressed, independent of the presence of (endogenous) regulators. In case that endogenous STAT5 expression is low, or absent, an exogenous constitutively active nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is preferably applied resulting in a concentration of STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof which is sufficient to enhance BCL6 expression. Most preferably, an antibody producing cell is provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a compound comprising STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, preferably a fusion protein, whose activity is regulated by an exogenous inducer of repressor, so that the extent of activation of BCL6 expression is regulated at will. Another system that allows for induction of BCL-6 is provided by a Tet-on system in which addition of tetracycline and/or derivatives of tetracycline induce activity of a transactivator that induced BCL6 gene transcription followed by BCL protein synthesis. In one preferred embodiment, an antibody producing cell is provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an estrogen receptor (ER) and STAT5 as a fusion protein ER-STAT5. This fusion protein is inactive because it forms a complex with heat shock proteins in the cytosol. This way, STAT5 is unable to reach the nucleus and BCL6 expression is not enhanced. Upon administration of the exogenous inducer 4 hydroxy-tamoxifen (4HT), the fusion protein ER-STAT5 dissociates from the heat shock proteins, so that STAT5 is capable of entering the nucleus and activating BCL6 expression.

Additionally, or alternatively, BCL6 expression in an antibody producing cell is enhanced by culturing said antibody producing cell in the presence of a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression.

One embodiment therefore provides a method according to the invention comprising:

-   -   providing said antibody producing cell with a compound capable         of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression; and/or     -   culturing said antibody producing cell in the presence of a         compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6         expression. Said compound capable of directly or indirectly         enhancing BCL6 expression preferably comprises STAT5 or a         functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Provided is         therefore a method according to the invention comprising         providing said antibody producing cell with STAT5 or a         functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, or with a         nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5 or a functional part,         derivative and/or analogue thereof. In one embodiment said         antibody producing cell is cultured after introduction of a         nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5 or a functional part,         derivative and/or analogue thereof into said cell. Said nucleic         acid sequence is for instance introduced into said cell by         transfection and/or virus-mediated gene transfer. Many         alternative methods for introducing a nucleic acid sequence into         a cell are available in the art which need no further         explanation here.

With a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression it is possible to enhance expression of endogenous BCL6. In one preferred embodiment however an antibody producing cell is provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. This way, it is possible to regulate a BCL6 concentration in an antibody producing cell independently from expression of endogenous BCL6. Hence, even if expression of endogenous BCL6 is low or absent, for instance caused by Blimp-1, an exogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is still capable of producing a concentration of BCL6 which is sufficient for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell. Also provided is therefore a method according to the invention comprising providing said antibody producing cell with a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Preferably, said antibody producing cell is provided with a constitutively active nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, so that BCL6 expression is maintained even when endogenous BCL6 expression of said cell is inhibited by an endogenous repressor such as Blimp-1. Most preferably, expression of said nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is regulated by an exogenous inducer of repressor, so that the extent of BCL6 expression is regulated at will. For instance, an inducible promoter system is used such as a Tet-on or Tet-off system.

The amount of Blimp-1 expression in an antibody producing cell is also regulated in a variety of ways. In one embodiment an antibody producing cell is provided with a compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression. Additionally, or alternatively, an antibody producing cell is cultured in the presence of a compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression. Further provided is therefore a method according to the invention comprising providing said antibody producing cell with a compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression. Further provided is a method according to the invention comprising culturing said antibody producing cell in the presence of a compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression. Preferably, a compound is used that is capable of enhancing Blimp-1 expression in order to counteract downregulation of Blimp-1 during expression of BCL6. Said compound most preferably comprises 1L21.

In one preferred embodiment said compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression comprises a Signal Transducer of Activation and Transcription 3 (STAT3) protein or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, and/or a nucleic acid sequence coding therefore. STAT3 is a signal transducer which is involved in B cell development and differentiation. STAT3 is capable of upregulating Blimp-1 expression. Further provided is therefore a method according to the invention wherein said compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression comprises STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, or a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Most preferably, expression of said nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is regulated by an exogenous inducer of repressor, so that the extent of STAT3 expression is regulated at will. For instance, an inducible promoter system is used such as for instance a Tet-on or Tet-off system. In one embodiment a fusion product comprising of STAT3, a derivative or analogue, and ER is introduced in said cell allowing regulation of STAT3 expression by hydroxytamoxifen.

Since STAT3 is capable of influencing Blimp-1 expression, it is also possible to indirectly regulate Blimp-1 expression by administering a compound capable of directly or indirectly regulating the activity and/or expression of STAT3. In one embodiment an antibody producing cell is provided with a compound that is capable of enhancing the activity of STAT3, so that Blimp-1 expression is indirectly enhanced as well. Further provided is therefore a method according to the invention, wherein an antibody producing cell is provided with a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing activity of STAT3.

Hence, in one embodiment an antibody producing cell is provided with a compound capable of directly or indirectly activating STAT3, in order to enhance Blimp-1 expression.

STAT3 is activated in a variety of ways. Preferably, STAT3 is activated by providing an antibody producing cell with a cytokine. Cytokines, being naturally involved in B cell differentiation, are very effective in regulating STAT proteins. Very effective activators of STAT3 are IL-21 and IL-6, but also IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15 and IL-27 are known to activate STAT3. Moreover, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) which are involved in innate immunity are also capable of activating STAT3. One embodiment therefore provides a method of the invention, wherein said compound capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression comprises IL-21, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15 and/or IL-27. Most preferably IL-21 is used, since IL-21 is particularly suitable for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell. IL-21 is capable of upregulating Blimp-1 expression even when Blimp-1 expression is counteracted by BCL6.

Additionally, or alternatively, a mutated Janus kinase (JAK) is used in order to activate STAT3. Naturally, a JAK is capable of phosphorylating STAT3 after it has itself been activated by at least one cytokine. A mutated Janus kinase capable of activating STAT3, independent of the presence of cytokines, is particularly suitable in a method according to the present invention.

As already explained before, a compound capable of enhancing Blimp-1 expression in one embodiment comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. The presence of an exogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof allows for a continuous presence of STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof even when expression of endogenous STAT3 is very low or absent.

It is also possible to decrease expression and/or activity of STAT5 in order to upregulate Blimp-1. If the amount and/or activity of STAT5 is decreased, activation of BCL6 expression is decreased as well resulting in a decreased amount of BCL6 expression product. Since BCL6 and Blimp-1 counteract each other's expression, a decreased amount of BCL6 expression product results in an increased amount of Blimp-1 expression product. Compounds capable of downregulating the activity of STAT5 are thus capable of indirectly upregulating Blimp-1. Such compounds for instance comprise members of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins. In one embodiment the amount of Blimp-1 expression product in an antibody producing cell is therefore upregulated by providing said cell with a SOCS protein, and/or by activating a SOCS protein within said cell.

By at least a functional part of a STAT5 protein, a STAT3 protein and/or BCL6 is meant a proteinaceous molecule that has the same capability—in kind, not necessarily in amount—of influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell as compared to a STAT5 protein, a STAT3 protein and/or BCL6, respectively. A functional part of a STAT5 protein or a STAT3 protein is for instance devoid of amino acids that are not, or only very little, involved in said capability. A derivative of a STAT5 protein, a STAT3 protein and/or BCL6 is defined as a protein which has been altered such that the capability of said protein of influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell is essentially the same in kind, not necessarily in amount. A derivative is provided in many ways, for instance through conservative amino acid substitution wherein one amino acid is substituted by another amino acid with generally similar properties (size, hydrophobicity, etc), such that the overall functioning is likely not to be seriously affected. A derivative for instance comprises a fusion protein, such as a STATS-ER fusion protein whose activity depends on the presence of 4 hydroxy-tamoxifen (4HT). An analogue of a STAT5 protein, a STAT3 protein and/or BCL6 is defined as a molecule having the same capability of influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell in kind, not necessarily in amount. Said analogue is not necessarily derived from said STAT5 protein, STAT3 protein and/or BCL6.

A method according to the invention is particularly suitable for producing an antibody producing cell culture comprising antibody producing cells that are capable of proliferating and secreting antibody. In one embodiment, a memory B cell is used in order to produce an ex vivo B cell culture. Alternatively, or additionally, a naïve B cell is used. Said memory B cell and/or naïve B cell is preferably human so that human antibodies are produced. Preferably a memory B cell is used with a desired specificity. This means that a memory B cell is used which is capable of developing into an antibody secreting cell, which antibodies have a desired specificity against an antigen of interest. In one embodiment B cells are isolated from a peripheral blood sample, a cord blood sample and/or a tonsil sample, using methods known in the art. Memory B cells are for instance isolated by selection for the B cell marker CD19 and (subsequent) selection for cell surface IgG and/or CD27. In a germinal center B cell, BCL6 expression is high whereas Blimp-1 expression is low. Natural development into an antibody secreting cell involves upregulation of Blimp-1 expression. Since Blimp-1 represses BCL6 expression, upregulation of Blimp-1 results in downregulation of BCL6 in a natural situation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention however, Blimp-1 expression is upregulated while BCL6 expression is at least in part maintained. This results in an antibody producing cell wherein BCL6 and Blimp-1 are co-expressed. Said antibody producing cell is capable of proliferating and secreting antibody and is therefore suitable for use in an ex vivo B cell culture. An antibody producing cell according to the present invention provides the advantage that it is stable and does not undergo terminal differentiation. Said antibody producing cell according to the invention is stable for at least one week, preferably for at least one month, more preferably for at least three months, most preferably for at least six months. A B cell according to the invention is preferably cultured in the presence of CD40L since replication of most B cells is favoured by CD40L.

In one embodiment BCL6 expression is maintained at essentially the same level, or at a higher level, as compared to a germinal center B cell since a significant BCL6 expression, together with Blimp-1 expression, results in an antibody producing cell with preferred proliferation and antibody production properties and/or stability.

One embodiment therefore provides a method for producing an antibody producing cell which is stable for at least one week, preferably for at least one month, more preferably for at least three months, more preferably for at least six months, the method comprising:

-   -   providing a memory B cell or a naïve B cell;     -   increasing an expression level of Blimp-1 in said cell; and     -   increasing and/or maintaining a BCL6 expression level in said         cell. Most preferably a memory B cell is used. Said expression         level is preferably brought to, and/or maintained at,         essentially the same level, or at a higher level, as compared to         a plasmablast.

Blimp-1 expression and BCL6 expression are influenced in various ways, as already described herein before. For instance, Blimp-1 expression is enhanced in a memory B cell and/or a naïve B cell by providing said B cell with a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression, such as a nucleic acid sequence encoding Blimp-1 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, and/or a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Preferably, expression of said nucleic acid is regulated by an exogenous inducer of repressor, so that the extent of Blimp-1 expression is regulated at will.

Alternatively, or additionally, a memory B cell and/or a naïve B cell is cultured in the presence of a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression, such as for instance IL-21, IL-2, IL-6, Il-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-27 or a mutated Janus kinase. Preferably, IL-21 is used because this cytokine is particularly suitable for enhancing Blimp-1 expression and stabilizing an antibody producing cell with a method according to the present invention. In one embodiment a B cell is provided with a SOCS protein or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, or a nucleic acid coding therefore, since a SOCS protein or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is capable of indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression. Expression of Blimp-1 results in downregulation of endogenous BCL6. Therefore, said memory B cell is preferably also provided with a compound capable of maintaining BCL6 expression, resulting in co-expression of both BCL6 and Blimp-1. Said compound is preferably capable of inducing and/or maintaining BCL6 expression at essentially the same level or at a higher level as compared to a plasmablast. A preferred example of such compound is a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof.

It is possible to directly provide a B cell with a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression, for instance by transduction with a nucleic acid sequence. In one embodiment BCL6 expression in a B cell is maintained and/or enhanced by culturing a memory B cell in the presence of a compound which is capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression and/or which is capable of maintaining BCL6 expression at essentially the same level, or at a higher level, as compared to a germinal center B cell.

In a preferred embodiment Blimp-1 expression is upregulated in a B cell, preferably by culturing said B cell in the presence of a compound capable of activating STAT3 and/or Blimp-1. Said compound preferably comprises IL-21. Said B cell preferably comprises a memory B cell. After this, BCL6 expression is preferably enhanced. It has been demonstrated that Blimp-1 upregulation in a first stage followed by BCL6 upregulation results in particularly stable B cells capable of replicating and producing antibody. In one embodiment of the invention Blimp-1 expression is still upregulated while BCL6 expression is enhanced. Alternatively however, Blimp-1 expression is not upregulated while BCL6 expression is enhanced. This way, the replication capacity of a B cell is particularly enhanced. Hence, an antibody producing capacity of a B cell is preferably enhanced firstly, by upregulating expression and/or activity of Blimp-1. Subsequently, a replication capacity of said B cell is preferably enhanced, by upregulating expression and/or activity of BCL6. The B cell is preferably cultured in the absence of a compound capable of enhancing Blimp-1 expression and/or activity, until replication is significantly increased. Subsequently, said B cell is preferably cultured again in the presence of an enhancer of Blimp-1 expression and/or activity, so that antibody production is maintained. As is shown in the examples, it is possible to regulate Blimp-1 and BCL6 in various ways, resulting in co-expression of both Blimp-1 and BCL6 in a B cell which B cell is capable of replicating and producing antibody.

In one preferred embodiment Blimp-1 expression is upregulated in a B cell, preferably a memory B cell, by culturing said B cell in the presence of a compound capable of activating STAT3. Said compound preferably comprises IL-21. According to one embodiment, said B cell is subsequently provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Said B cells are preferably cultured for a few days in the absence of said compound capable of activating STAT3 in order to enhance replication. Subsequently, said cells are preferably again cultured with—and/or provided with—a compound capable of activating STAT3.

In the Examples a particularly preferred embodiment is shown, wherein B cells are firstly cultured in the presence of IL-21. Subsequently the B cells are provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6. The B cells are cultured in the absence of IL-21 for a few days in order to enhance replication, after which IL21 is administered again to the culture in order to enhance antibody production. Stable B cells are obtained wherein BCL6 and Blimp-1 are co-expressed, which B cells are capable of replicating and producing antibody in an ex vivo culture during at least 6 months. A B cell culture according to the invention is preferred since the B cells are capable of replicating and producing antibody in an ex vivo culture during a longer period of time as compared to current B cell cultures.

In another preferred embodiment a nucleic acid sequence encoding STATS or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is used in order to enhance BCL6 expression.

Prior art attempts to use STAT5 in order to obtain a stable B cell culture capable of producing antibodies, such as described in WO 03/052083, failed because the B cells lose their capability of developing into antibody producing cells within 2 months. The present invention however provides the insight that STATS is indeed suitable for producing a stable B cell culture if Blimp-1 expression is upregulated in the B cells as well. Preferably, Blimp-1 expression in a B cell is enhanced, after which BCL6 expression is enhanced by STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof.

In a preferred embodiment Blimp-1 expression is upregulated in a B cell, preferably by culturing said B cell in the presence of a compound capable of activating STAT3. Said compound preferably comprises IL-21. Said B cell preferably comprises a memory B cell. Subsequently, said B cell is provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Said nucleic acid sequence preferably encodes a compound comprising STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, whose activity depends on the presence or absence of an exogenous regulator. Most preferably said B cell is provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a STAT5-ER fusion protein whose activity depends on the presence of 4 hydroxy-tamoxifen (4HT). In the resulting B cells, which are capable of both replicating and producing antibody, Blimp-1 and BCL6 are co-expressed. Once a culture comprising B cells according to the invention has been produced, it is possible to further regulate the replication and antibody production capacity of the B cells by regulating BCL6 and Blimp-1 expression. The amount of BCL6 and Blimp-1 expression product is regulated at will during further culturing. For instance, when antibody production of the cells diminishes, the activity of STAT5 is preferably diminished (preferably by depriving the cell culture of 4 hydroxy-tamoxifen) while said B cells are cultured in the presence of a compound capable of activating (expression of) STAT3 and/or Blimp-1. Preferably, the cells are cultured for a while (typically about a few days) in the presence of IL-21 and in the absence of 4 hydroxy-tamoxifen. When antibody production has been enhanced, culturing is preferably continued in the presence of hydroxy-tamoxifen and in the absence of said compound capable of activating STAT3 in order to enhance replication and to make sure that Blimp-1 expression does not completely abolish BCL6 expression.

In the Examples a particularly preferred embodiment is shown wherein B cells are firstly cultured in the presence of IL-21 during a few days. Blimp-1 expression is induced and the B cells differentiate into antibody producing cells. Subsequently the B cells are provided with a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5-ER. The B cells are cultured in the presence of Il-21 for about 1-50 days, preferably about 1-30 days, more preferably about 1.5-21 days, where after the B cells are cultured in the absence of IL-21 and in the presence of 4-HT in order to activate STAT5. During this period, BCL6 expression is enhanced in order to maintain an equilibrium wherein BCL6 and Blimp-1 are co-expressed. Subsequently, IL-21 is administered again to the culture and 4HT is withdrawn in order to increase Blimp-1 expression. Said equilibrium wherein BCL6 and Blimp-1 are co-expressed is maintained by varying the amount of IL-21 and 4-HT in the culture medium so that both BCL6 expression and Blimp-1 expression are maintained. Stable B cells are obtained which are capable of replicating and producing antibody in an ex vivo culture during at least 6 months.

Hence, a method of the invention allows for subtle regulation of the replication capacity and antibody producing capacity of B cells cultured ex vivo. When upregulation of antibody production is desired, Blimp-1 expression is favored over BCL6 expression. When upregulation of replication is desired, BCL6 expression is favored over Blimp-1 expression. A method of the invention allows maintenance of an equilibrium wherein BCL6 and Blimp-1 are co-expressed, resulting in antibody producing cells which are capable of replicating and producing antibody ex vivo.

The invention therefore provides a method for producing an antibody producing cell which is stable for at least one week, preferably at least one month, more preferably at least three months, more preferably at least six months, the method comprising:

-   -   providing a B cell with a compound capable of directly or         indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression and/or culturing a B         cell in the presence of a compound capable of directly or         indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression; and     -   providing said B cell with a compound capable of directly or         indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression or with a compound capable         of maintaining BCL6 expression at essentially at a higher level,         as compared to a germinal center B cell.

Alternatively, or additionally, said B cell is cultured in the presence of a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression, in the presence of a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression, and/or in the presence of a compound capable of maintaining BCL6 expression at essentially the same level, or at a higher level, as compared to a natural memory B cell.

Said compound which is capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BCL6 expression and/or maintaining BCL6 expression at a higher level, as compared to a natural memory B cell, preferably comprises:

-   -   a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part,         derivative and/or analogue thereof, and/or     -   a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5 or a functional part,         derivative and/or analogue thereof, and/or     -   a compound capable of directly or indirectly activating STATS,         and/or     -   a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing         expression of STAT5.

A B cell is preferably firstly provided with a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression, and/or cultured in the presence of a compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression, before BCL6 expression and/or BCL6 activity of said B cell is increased.

As already explained herein before, said compound capable of directly or indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression preferably comprises IL-21, IL-2, IL-6, 11-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-27, a SOCS protein, a mutated Janus kinase and/or a nucleic acid sequence encoding STATS or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Most preferably, IL-21 is used. If use is made of a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6, STAT5 and/or STAT3, or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue of BCL6, STAT5 and/or STAT3, expression of said nucleic acid sequence is preferably regulated by an activator and/or repressor that is inducible by an exogenous compound. This way, expression of said nucleic acid sequence is regulated by determining the amount of exogenous compound that is administered.

One embodiment provides a method according to the invention further comprising selecting and/or isolating an antibody or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue of interest. In one embodiment IgM producing cells and IgG producing cells are selected and/or isolated. Preferably an IgG producing cell is selected and/or isolated.

Antibody producing cells generated with a method according to the invention are suitable for producing antibodies against an antigen of interest. In one preferred embodiment however, the genes encoding the Ig heavy and/or light chains are isolated from said cell and expressed in a second cell, such as for instance cells of a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line. Said second cell, also called herein a producer cell, is preferably adapted to commercial antibody production. Proliferation of said producer cell results in a producer cell line capable of producing antibody. Preferably, said producer cell line is suitable for producing compounds for use in humans. Hence, said producer cell line is preferably free of pathogenic agents such as pathogenic micro-organisms.

A method according to the invention is preferably used for generating an antibody producing cell that is stable for at least one week, preferably at least one month, more preferably at least three months, more preferably at least six months so that commercial antibody production has become possible. One preferred embodiment provides a method according to the invention, wherein an antibody producing cell is produced that is capable of producing antibodies against an antigen of interest. Most preferably a stable cell line capable of producing monoclonal antibodies is produced. This is preferably performed by using memory B cells that have for instance been isolated from a sample by selection for CD19 (B cell marker) and cell surface IgG and/or CD27 (to mark memory cells). Furthermore, an antibody producing cell capable of specifically binding an antigen of interest is for instance selected in a binding assay using said antigen of interest. Subsequently, according to this preferred embodiment Blimp-1 and BCL6 are co-expressed in said antibody producing cell, resulting in a culture of cells capable of specifically binding said antigen of interest. If only one memory cell is used, a cell line according to the invention producing monoclonal antibodies is obtained. It is also possible to generate a monoclonal antibody producing cell line starting with various B cells capable of producing antibody against different antigens. After a stable B cell culture has been produced with a method according to the invention, a B cell capable of producing antibodies against a specific antigen of interest is isolated and at least a functional part of a gene encoding the Ig heavy chain and/or light chain from said B cell is expressed in a second cell line. Preferably at least a functional part of the gene encoding the Ig heavy chain and at least a functional part of the gene encoding the Ig light chain from said B cell are expressed in a second cell line.

In one embodiment an antibody producing cell, preferably but not necessarily a memory B cell, that has been obtained from an individual which had been previously exposed to an antigen of interest, is used in a method according to the invention. This way, it has become possible to produce human antibodies of interest ex vivo.

The invention furthermore provides an antibody producing cell which is stable for at least one week, preferably for at least one month, more preferably for at least three months, more preferably for at least six months, meaning that an antibody producing cell according to the present invention is capable of both replicating and producing antibody, or capable of replicating and developing into a cell that produces antibody, during said time periods. Antibody producing cells according to the invention comprise, amongst other things, cells producing IgM or cells each producing other immunoglobulin isotypes like IgG, IgA, IgE. An antibody producing cell according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in an antibody producing cell line. Antibody producing cells according to the invention are preferably cultured ex vivo and antibody is preferably collected for further use. Antibodies or functional parts, derivatives and/or analogues thereof produced with a method according to the invention are useful for a wide variety of applications, such as for instance therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic applications, as well as research purposes and ex vivo experiments. For instance, a screening assay is performed wherein antibodies or functional parts, derivatives and/or analogues according to the invention are incubated with a sample in order to determine whether an antigen of interest is present.

An antibody producing cell according to the invention preferably comprises a human cell, producing human antibody, because human antibodies are more suitable for therapeutic and/or prophylactic applications in human individuals.

An antibody producing cell according to the invention preferably comprises an exogenous compound which is capable of directly or indirectly influencing BCL6 expression and/or an exogenous compound which is capable of directly or indirectly influencing Blimp-1 expression. An antibody producing cell according to the invention preferably comprises an exogenous compound which is capable of directly or indirectly enhancing BUG expression and/or an exogenous compound which is capable of directly or indirectly enhancing Blimp-1 expression, because co-expression of BCL6 and Blimp-1 results in a preferred antibody producing cell according to the invention which is capable of proliferating and producing antibody.

As explained herein before, BCL6 expression is enhanced in a variety of ways. BCL6 expression is preferably upregulated using a nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 and/or STAT5, or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue of BCL6 and/or STAT5. Further provided is therefore an antibody producing cell according to the invention, comprising an exogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, and/or an exogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT5 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof.

Moreover, Blimp-1 expression is enhanced in a variety of ways. Preferably a nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is used. The invention therefore further provides an antibody producing cell according to the invention comprising an exogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof.

In one embodiment said nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6, STAT5, STAT3 and/or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue of BCL6, STAT5 and/or STAT3 is constitutively active, so that BCL6, STAT5, STAT3 and/or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof remains present in an antibody producing cell according to the invention even when endogenous BCL6, STAT5 and/or STAT3 genes are downregulated by endogenous compounds. Most preferably, expression of said nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6, STAT5, STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue of BCL6, STAT5 and/or STAT3 is regulated by an activator and/or repressor that is inducible by an exogenous compound, so that the amount of BCL6, STAT5, STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof is regulated at will by regulating the amount of exogenous compound that is administered. One embodiment therefore provides an antibody producing cell according to the invention, wherein expression of said nucleic acid sequence encoding BCL6, STAT5, STAT3 or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue of BCL6, STAT5 and/or STAT3, is regulated by an activator and/or repressor that is inducible by an exogenous compound

An antibody producing cell according to the present invention with an increased stability is particularly suitable for the production of an ex vivo cell line. The invention therefore further provides a method for producing an antibody producing cell line comprising:

-   -   obtaining a stable antibody producing cell with a method         according to the invention, and     -   culturing said antibody producing cell ex vivo.

Preferably a B cell line is generated. Most preferably a stable cell line comprising B cells capable of producing antibodies specifically directed against an antigen of interest is generated. This is preferably done by obtaining a B cell which is capable of developing into a cell which produces antibodies against an antigen of interest. The amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp-1 expression in said cell is subsequently regulated. Said B cell is preferably obtained from an individual, preferably a human individual, who has been exposed to an antigen of interest.

The invention therefore provides a method according to the invention, comprising:

-   -   obtaining a B cell from an individual who has been exposed to an         antigen of interest,     -   producing an antibody producing cell that is stable for at least         one week, preferably at least one month, more preferably at         least three months, more preferably at least six months using         said B cell obtained from said individual in a method according         to the invention, and     -   culturing said antibody producing cell ex vivo.

One important application is the production of antibodies that are capable of specifically binding an antigen of interest. One embodiment of the invention therefore provides a method for producing antibodies capable of specifically binding an antigen of interest, the method comprising:

-   -   obtaining a B cell capable of differentiating into a B cell         which B cell produces antibodies capable of specifically binding         said antigen of interest,     -   producing an antibody producing cell that is stable for at least         one week, preferably at least one month, more preferably at         least three months, more preferably at least six months using         said B cell in a method according to the invention, and     -   obtaining antibodies produced by said antibody producing cell.

Said antibody producing cell is preferably further cultured ex vivo in order to provide a stable cell line capable of producing antibodies which are specifically directed towards an antigen of interest. More preferably at least a functional part of a gene encoding the Ig heavy chain and/or light chain from said B cell is expressed in a second cell. Said second cell is preferably used in order to produce a commercially suitable cell line.

The invention is further explained in the following examples. These examples do not limit the scope of the invention, but merely serve to clarify the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Methods

Human memory B cells are purified from peripheral blood or tonsil by first by positive selection for B cells with CD19 MACS® beads (Miltenyi Biotech). Memory B cells are then selected by surface staining and cell sorting for IgG. IgG⁺ B cells are then cultured with mouse fibroblast L cells expressing CD40L in the presence of mouse or human IL-21 for 36 to 48 hours. Cells are then transferred to Retronectin® (Takara, Shiga, Japan)—coated tissue culture plates where they are transduced with a retrovirus encoding human BCL6-IRES-GFP for 16 h at 37° C. Transduced cells are then cultured on CD40L-L cells in the presence of human IL-2 and human IL-4. After approximately 3-4 weeks the GFP⁺ cells (that is, BCL6⁺ cells) reach 100% of the culture after which BCL6⁺ cells are cultured with IL-2 and IL-4 or with human or mouse IL-21. Using flow cytometry we monitor the expression of GFP, CD19, CD38, CD20, MHC class II, CD27 (BD Biosciences), and other markers using labeled antibodies. We monitor growth by cell counting, and Ig production is monitored by enzyme ELISA detection of Ig in the culture supernatant (Dako, Glostrup, Denmark). Gene expression is monitored by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR, Invitrogen, Breda, Netherlands).

Results

Introduction of BCL6 into memory B cells results in a greatly extended lifespan over normal B cells in culture (months vs. ˜3 weeks). These cells maintain CD19, surface Ig, MHC class II, and express intermediate levels of CD38 and CD20, suggesting a memory cell phenotype (not shown). Culture of these cells on CD40L-L cells in the presence of IL-21 results in a significant growth advantage (FIG. 1) and acquisition of a plasmablast-like cell surface phenotype (CD38^(hi)CD20⁺, FIG. 2). Importantly, IL-21 cultured cells secrete 300% more IgG compared with cells cultured IL-2 and IL-4. Together these data show that IL-21 culture promotes plasmablast development in an immortalized B cell population, exhibiting enhanced growth and antibody production.

Example 2

A non-limiting model of one embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 4.

In the human body, differentiation of plasma cells from memory B cells involves downregulation of BCL6 and upregulation of Blimp-1. In memory cells BCL6 is high and Blimp-1 expression is low. Signals that trigger differentiation cause an upregulation of Blimp-1, and this Blimp-1 counteracts the expression of BCL6. This stage is short-lived and is called the plasmablast. With progressively increasing Blimp-1 levels, BCL6 expression is extinguished, resulting in a plasma cell.

In one embodiment of the invention BCL6 expression is “locked”, for instance because of stable expression mediated by a retroviral expression cassette integrated into the DNA of the B cells. Then, with BCL6 levels maintained, we “switch on” Blimp-1 expression, for instance by use of a cytokine that activates STAT3, such as IL-21. This combination, through modulation of key transcription, results in stable growth of cells that secrete antibody and have phenotype characteristics of a plasmablast.

TABLE 1 Cell surface markers of memory B cells, plasmablasts and plasma cells Memory Plasmablast Plasma Cell CD38 + ++ ++ CD20 + + — CD27 + + — CD19 ++ + — CD138 — — + proliferation low high none Ig secretion low intermediate high

TABLE 2 Memory Plasmablast Plasma Cell BCL6 ++ + — Blimp-1 — + ++

Example 3

Materials and Methods

Maintenance and Isolation of Human B Cells

Using standard procedures, CD19 positive human B cells were isolated from bloodbank derived buffy coat (other sources can be fresh heparin or ACD blood, or tonsil). In brief, total peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated using ficoll density separation (Amersham, Buckinghamshire, UK). CD19 labeled beads were used to positively selected B cells by MACS cell sorting technique (Miltenyi, Auburn, Calif., USA). Cells were subsequently stained with appropriate combinations of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to CD19, CD27, IgG, IgM, CD3 (Becton Dickinson (BD), Franklin Lakes, N.J., USA) and phycoerythrin (PE) labeled Tetanus Toxoid (provided by A. Radbruch, Berlin, Germany) or any other labeled antigen. Cells were then sorted using the FACSAria (BD). Sorted cells were washed and cultured (1.5 to 2×10⁵ cells/ml) on irradiated CD40L-expressing L-cells (5×10⁴ cells/ml; provided by DR. J. Banchereau, Schering Plough France, Dardilly France), in Iscove's Modified D Minimal Essential Medium (IMDM) containing 8% fetal calf serum (FCS) and Penicillin/Streptomycin. Unless mentioned otherwise, these CD40L-expressing L-cells are always present in the cultures.

Transduction and Regulation of Mouse Constitutive Active STAT5b in B Cells

Purified B cells were primed to become transduced with the caSTAT5b gene. Two priming protocols were used: (1) purified B cells were cultured for 3 days with interleukin (IL) 2 (20 U/ml, Chiron, Emeryville, Calif., USA) followed by a 24 hour culture with IL-2 and IL-4 (10 ng/ml, R&D, Minneapolis, Minn., USA) or (2) purified B cells were cultured for 36 hours with recombinant mouse IL-21 (50 ng/ml, R&D). Subsequently, cells were plated on recombinant human fibronectin fragments CH-296 (Hanenberg H., Nat., Med. 1996; RetroNectin, Takara, Japan) and human serum albumine treated plates (Corning Life Sciences, Corning, N.Y., USA) in the absence of L-cells, with the cytokines IL-2/4 or IL-21. At last, cells were transduced with the caSTAT5b gene (described by Ariyoshi K., JBC, 2000 and obtained from T. Kitamura, IMSUT, Tokyo, Japan) fused to the estrogen receptor (ER, provided by H. Kurata, DNAX Institute, Palo Alto, Calif., USA). The activity of the caSTAT5b-ER fusion product can be controlled by the hormone hydroxytamoxifen (4HT, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo., USA). The transduction was performed using a retrovirus as described previously (Heemskerk M. H., JEM, 1997; Heemskerk M. H., Cell Immunol. 1999; Scheeren F. A., Nat Immunol, 2005). Transduction efficiency was determined by antibody production of a truncated, signaling incompetent mutant of Nerve Growth Factor Receptor (ΔNGFR, provided by C. Bonini, St. Raphael Hospital, Milan, Italy). Thus, outgrowth of B cells that contain the caSTAT5b gene depends on the presence of 4HT and these cells can be detected by antibody staining for NGFR (Chromaprobe, Maryland Heights, Mo., USA).

Development of 100% caSTAT5b Positive B Cell Lines that Secrete Antibodies

We have developed a B cell line that produces monoclonal antibodies and is 100% caSTAT5b (=NGFR) positive. This was achieved by differentiating B cells from a memory into an antibody producing phenotype, and transducing with the caSTA5b-ER-IRES-NGFR construct. The action of caSTAT5b makes the differentiated B cells insensitive to cell death. Differentiation of B cells is induced in the first 2 to 3 weeks after isolation (FIG. 5), using a cytokine mixture (IL-2, 4, 21 or combinations of these cytokines and CD40L). The time point that caSTAT5b is activated by adding 4HT affects the overall phenotype of the cultures. This because caSTAT5b blocks the cell to change its phenotype e.g. blocks further differentiation. Thus, the longer 4HT is withheld the more B cells will differentiate into antibody producing cells or into a type of cell that preferentially grows out under these culture conditions (suggestions for cell types are: naïve, follicular, memory, antibody producing, plasma blast, plasma cell, marginal zone, perisinusoidal or transitional B cells—many of those B cell subsets have only been determined in mice). When 4HT is present in the culture medium, caSTA5b-ER-IRES-NGFR positive B cells can survive for long periods (Table 2).

TABLE 2 Overview of caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR transduced human B cell cultures. Transduction Isolation Time on Culture Donor Date Subtype Protocol IL-21 Time B12 28 Apr. 2005 CD19+TT+ IL-2 IL-4   4 wks 18 Oct. 2005 B15 17 May 2005 CD19+TT+ IL-21 36 h 05 Dec. 2005 B16 31 May 2005 CD19+TT+ IL-21 20 d 05 Dec. 2005 B18 22 Jun. 2005 CD19+CD27+ IL-2 IL-4 time series 05 Dec. 2005 and TT+ and IL-21 (36 h to 20 d) B19 22 Jun. 2005 CD19+CD27+ IL-2 IL-4 time series 05 Dec. 2005 and TT+ and IL-21 (36 h to 20 d) B20 06 Jul. 2005 CD19+TT+ IL-21 36 h 05 Dec. 2005 B21 06 Jul. 2005 CD19+TT+ IL-21 36 h 06 Sep. 2005 B22/B23/B24 06 Sep. 2005 CD19+CD27+ IL-21  5 d 05 Dec. 2005 IgM− and TT+ B25/B26 20 Oct. 2005 CD19+CD27+ IL-21  7 d 05 Dec. 2005 IgM− B27/B28 10 Nov. 2005 CD19+CD27+ IL-21  7 d 05 Dec. 2005 B29/B30 22 Nov. 2005 CD19+CD27+ IL-21 42 h 05 Dec. 2005 PBMC were obtained after Ficoll gradient isolation of bloodbank derived buffy coats and subsequently sorted by CD19 MACS and CD27 or by FACSAria cell sorting. Purified B cells were then cultured in the presence of L-cells with indicated cytokines before being transduced with a retrovirus containing the caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR gene construct. Development of Single-Cell Derived, Clonal B Cell Cultures

Outgrowth of caSTA5b-ER-IRES-NGFR positive B cells generally takes about 4 weeks, after which clonal cultures can be obtained by performing limiting dilution (LD) cultures or single cell sorting using flow cytometry (the FACSAria). These cultures consist of 2500 to 5000 L-cells, normal concentrations of IL-2 and IL-4 and either 1, 5 or 10 B cell/96-well when the LD is performed with 100% NGFR+ cells and 10, 100 and 1000 cell/96-well when NGFR+ cells are sorted into 96 well using the FACSAria.

Restimulation of Antibody Production of caSTA5b-ER Positive B Cell Cultures

Poly-, oligo- or monoclonal caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR positive B cell cultures that were negative or low on antibody production were washed extensively before cultures were (1) deprived of 4HT, IL-2 and IL-4 before being cultured with IL-21, then after 4-10 days of supernatants were tested for IgM and IgG production or (2) deprived of 4HT for 10 days meanwhile cultured with IL-2 and IL-4, and then at day 10 IL-2 and IL-4 are replaced by IL-21. Then at different time points supernatants are tested for IgM and IgG production.

Results

B Cell Differentiation and Proliferation; the IL-2 and IL-4 vs. IL-21 Protocol

IL-21 treated B cell cultures showed enhanced proliferative responses within the first 2-3 weeks compared to IL-2 and IL-4 (FIG. 6 a). However, unlike the IL-2 and IL-4 cultures, continuous IL-21 stimulation resulted in decreased proliferation and cell death, even in the presence of active STAT5b (FIG. 6 b). Suggesting that IL-21 eventually had to be replaced by IL-2 and IL-4. To study this in more detail, time series experiment were performed with CD19+CD27+ memory B cells, in which IL-21 was replaced by IL-2 and IL-4 after 36 hours or 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. As shown in FIG. 7, most cultures could be maintained after IL-21 withdrawal, even cultures that received IL-21 for 20 days.

Antibody Production by IL-21 Boosted Total Human Memory B Cell Cultures

Interestingly, in contrast to the IL-2 and IL-4 cultures, the IL-21 boosted cultures were able to produce antibodies for a relatively long period (IgG and IgM as measured by ELISA, Dako, Glostrup, Denmark) (FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, respectively). Importantly, of the polyclonal memory B cell cultures of donors B18 and B19, single-cell clones were obtained by LD culture (table 3).

TABLE 3 Frequency of clones that were isolated from CD19+CD27+NGFR+ sorted B cells. B18 B19 positive total # positive total # donor well wells well well 1000 c/w 8 9 8 10  100 c/w 21 48 19 48  10 c/w 6 48 2 48   1 c/w 1 96 6 96 Cells were sorted in 96 wells at either 1000, 100, 10 or 1 cell per well. Wells contained 5000 CD40L-expressing L cells, IL-2 and IL-4. ¼ to ½ of the medium was replaced twice a week with fresh cytokines and 2500 L cells.

The majority of the clonal cultures produced IgM while only some produced IgG (FIG. 9). In addition, two clonal cultures produced both IgM and IgG clone 7 and clone 8). Whether these clones are indeed clonal or that class switching occurred remains to be determined. In the later case one BCR VDJ region should be found in the IgG or IgM gene fragments in this culture.

Antibody Production of IL-21 Boosted Tetanus Toxoid Specific B Cell Cultures

Next, we tested whether we could isolate B cells producing Tetanus Toxoid (TT) specific antibodies. In brief, the following protocol was carried out:

PART 1

-   (1) CD27+TT+ B cells were sorted (recovery was donor dependent and     ranged from 10000-1000 cells), -   (2) cultured with 1L-21 for 36 h, -   (3) transduced with caSTA5b-ER-IRES-NGFR, -   (4) and cultured for variable times with IL-21 (36 h to 3 wks) after     which IL-21 was replaced by IL-2, IL-4 and 4HT     PART 2 -   (5) when cultures were 100% NGFR+ they were cloned by limiting     dilution (LD)

After 2 to 3 months of culture, 100% NGFR+, α-TT-specific polyclonal B cell cultures were obtained from at least 7 different donors (PART 1). All donors were tested positive in a α-TT-IgG specific antibody ELISA (r-biopharm, Darmstadt, Germany). As shown in FIG. 10 a, α-TT IgG levels were relatively low. Since immortalization of memory B cells resulted in high numbers of IgM producing cultures (FIG. 9), that indicates that the majority of the TT cultures are IgM positive too. Indeed, as shown in FIG. 10 b, five out of seven donors were producing IgM, suggesting that the anti-TT antibodies are from IgM origin and thus not detected by our α-TT IgG ELISA.

This let us to develop a α-TT IgM ELISA based on the r-biopharm TT IgG ELISA. The only difference is in the final step, now a α-human IgM-HRP antibody instead of a anti-human IgG-HRP is added.

Next, from the polyclonal TT cultures, cc-TT-specific B cell clones were derived by LD cultures (PART 2). These LD cultures were started with 100% NGFR+ polyclonal α-TT-specific B cells from four donors (table 4). Clones from donor B16 mainly produced IgG, while B18 and B19 produced IgM and B15 produced both IgG and IgM (not shown). Subsequently, supernatants of these clones were tested in the IgG TT or IgM TT ELISA (FIG. 11). Besides donor 15 all donors showed TT binding, although only 5 clones produced relatively high anti-TT antibody titers.

TABLE 4 Limiting dilution culture of 100% NGFR+ TT-specific B cells. Number of positive clones from 96 well donor Total # from 1 c/w from 5 c/w from 10 c/w B15 12 2 10 — B16 14 — 7 7 B18 10 10 — — B19 11 1 3 7 Indicated is the total number of clones isolated and under what conditions they were isolated, either 1, 5 or 10 cell/well. One 96 well plate was used for each condition (1, 5 or 10 cell/well). Wells contained 2500 CD40L-expressing L cells, IL-2 and IL-4. ¼ to ½ of the medium was replaced twice a week with fresh cytokines and 2500 L cells.

Restimulation of Antibody Production of IL-21 Boosted Tetanus Toxoid Specific B Cell Cultures

We were able to generate IgM and IgG producing poly- and monoclonal B cell cultures using IL-21 as a stimulus. Nevertheless, antibody production was not stable. To our surprise, however, these IL-21 treated cultures could be restimulated to produce IgG and IgM antibodies (FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, respectively). This was achieved by 4HT withdrawal and simultaneously stimulation with IL-21. Using this protocol, total antibody production increased 2- to 1000-fold for IgM, and 2- to 25-fold for IgG. Several of the supernatants of restimulated monoclonal cultures were now tested positive in the IgG and IgM Tetanus ELISA (FIG. 13).

Important to note is that caSTAT5b or caSTAT5b-ER B cell cultures that had not been treated with IL-21 prior to caSTAT5b transduction and subsequent expansion could not be restimulated to produce antibodies under any conditions (see patent application WO 03/052083; not shown here).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Enhanced growth of BCL6⁺ cells cultured with IL-21. 100% pure BCL6⁺ memory B cells were cultured in the presence of IL-2 and IL-4 (conventional culture conditions), or with IL-21 alone. The total expansion of live cells over 17 days of culture with IL-21 is shown.

FIG. 2. Plasmablast immortalization of BCL6-positive cells with IL-21. Memory B cells were transduced with a retrovirus expressing BCL6-GFP and cultured with IL-2 and IL-4 (to prevent differentiation) or with IL-21 for 14 days. The surface staining for CD38 and CD20 of GFP⁺ (that is, BCL6⁺) cells is shown. IL-21 induces an 8-fold increase in the amount of B cells with a plasmablast phenotype.

FIG. 3. IL-21 upregulates BLIMP1 in BCL6⁺ B cells. 100% pure BCL6-ΔNGFR⁺ were cultured with IL-2 and IL-4 or IL-21 for 24 days. cDNA was generated from total RNA and mRNA levels of BLIMP1 and HPRT (loading control) were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

FIG. 4. Non-limiting model of one embodiment according to the present invention

FIG. 5 General overview of ideal culture scheme, see for more details the material and methods section of Example 3.

FIG. 6 Growth dynamics of IL-2 and IL-4 vs. IL-21 stimulated B cell. (a) Peripheral blood (PB) memory B cells derived from two donors (B18 and B19) were stimulated either with IL-21 or IL-2 and IL-4. Cells were transduced with caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR at day 2 for the IL-21 and at day 5 for IL-2 and IL-4 treated cultures; 4HT was added at day 13. (b) Of 4 donors Tetanus Toxoid specific B cells were sorted from PB (cell numbers ranged from 1000-10,000). Cells were cultured in 96 well with IL-21 and transduced with caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR on day 2. 4HT was added on day 4 and IL-21 was replaced with IL-2, IL-4 and 4HT after 7 days (B14 and B15) or was replaced after 20 days (B16 and B17). Cells were counted by hand and dead cells were excluded.

FIG. 7 Percentage caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR transduced cells was determined using the LSR II (BD). Of two donors (B18 and B19) IL-2 and IL-4 vs. IL-21 time series experiment were performed. Of each donor ¼ of the cells were transduced using the IL-2 and IL-4 protocol, the remaining ¾ was transduced using IL-21. Directly after the IL-21 transduction (36 h) one third of the IL-21 culture was switched to IL-2 and IL-4. This was repeated on day 5, 10 and 20 of the IL-21 culture.

FIG. 8 Total human IgG and IgM antibody production by caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR transduced PB derived memory B cells. Identical experiment as described in FIG. 3. (a) Mean IgG production of donor B18 and B19 is shown. B cells were transduced using the IL-2 and IL-4 vs. the IL-21 protocol. The IgG production indicated with the open symbols represent all cultures that had been treated with IL-21, irrespective when they were switched to IL-2 and IL-4. (b) IgM production in samples as described above, note that the time scale is different.

FIG. 9 Antibody production of B cell clones derived from memory B cells of donors B18 and B19 transduced with caSTAT5b-ER-IRES-NGFR. Ten-day-old cultures that were derived from IL-21 stimulated B cells (stimulated for 36 h) were used for LD culture. Twelve clones were obtained; 5 from and 7 from B19. IgG production is the mean of three time points; IgM production is the mean of two time points.

FIG. 10 IgG Tetanus Toxoid ELISA on supernatant of polyclonal, 100% caSTA5b-ER-IRES-NGFR positive, Tetanus Toxoid sorted human B cells. (a) Of 7 donors rapidly proliferating clonal cultures were derived. Shown is the average TT antibody production of at least 3 different measurements per donor. Each time the relative OD was determined (generally a relative increase of >2 to 3 times the background is assumed positive). (b) To determine if TT IgG ELISA negative cultures could be producing IgM, the same 7 donor samples were tested in a total IgM ELISA.

FIG. 11 Anti-Tetanus Toxoid ELISA. The binding of IgG and IgM α-TT specific antibodies by ELISA was determined. Supernatants of 100% NGFR positive clonal B cell cultures derived form donors B15, B16, B18 and B19 were tested. Two times the background was set as positive.

FIG. 12 Total IgG and IgM production after restimulation of clonal B cell cultures (a) donor B16 which produces IgG and (b) donor B19 which produces IgM. Production was measured in supernatant of cultures that were either cultured With IL-2, IL-4 and in the presence or absence of 4HT or with IL-21 and in the presence or absence of 4HT. Cultures containing IL-2 and IL-4 did not show an increase in antibody secretion (not shown). Only cultures that responded to the restimulation are shown (10 out of 14 IgG and 8 out of 9 IgM clones responded)

FIG. 13 Antibodies secreted by IL-21 restimulated and 4HT deprived cultures, as described in the legend of FIG. 8 were tested for their antigen specificity. The supernatants derived from restimulated donor B16 clonal TT cultures were tested in the α-TT IgG ELISA (a), the supernatants derived from donor B19 cultures were tested in the IgM ELISA (b). Shown is the relative increase in antibody binding compared to the negative control, samples B19-1087 and 10E1 were cut off at 30 for visibility; values were 96 and 121, respectively.

REFERENCES

-   Banchereau, J., de Paoli, P., Valle, A., Garcia, E., Rousset, F.,     (1991). Long term human B cell lines dependent on interleukin-4 and     antibody to CD40, Science 251, 70-2. -   Dadgostar, H., Zarnegar, B., Hoffmann, A., Qin, X. F., Truong, U.,     Rao, G., Baltimore, D., and Cheng, G. (2002). Cooperation of     multiple signaling pathways in CD40-regulated gene expression in B     lymphocytes. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci USA 99, 1497-1502. -   Malisan, F., Briere, F., Bridon, J. M., Harindranath, N., Mills, F.     C., Max, E. E., Banchereau, J., Martinez-Valdez, H. (1996).     Interleukin-10 induces immunoglobulin G isotype switch recombination     in human CD40-activated naïve B lymphocytes, J. Exp. Med. 183,     937-47. -   Traggiai, E., Becker, S., Subbarao, K., Kolesnikova, L., Uematsu,     Y., Gismondo, M. R., Murphy, B. R., Rappuoli, R., Lanzavecchia, A.     (2004). An efficient method to make human monoclonal antibodies from     memory B cells: potent neutralization of SARS coronavirus. Nature     Medicine Volume 10, No. 8, 871-875.

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The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for increasing the replicative life span of an antibody producing cell having a potential for expression of an amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp-1 expression, the method comprising: providing the antibody producing cell with a nucleic acid molecule encoding a peptide comprising BCL6; and increasing an expression level of Blimp-1 in the antibody producing cell by culturing the antibody producing cell in the present of IL-21 and/or IL-10, or by providing the antibody producing cell with STAT3.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein BCL6 and Blimp-1 are co-expressed in the antibody producing cell.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the antibody producing cell produces antibodies against an antigen of interest.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the antibody producing cell has been obtained from an individual, which individual had been previously exposed to the antigen of interest.
 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising expressing a gene of the antibody producing cell encoding the Ig heavy chain and/or Ig light chain in a second cell.
 6. A method for increasing the replicative life span of an antibody producing cell, which antibody producing cell co-expresses BCL6 and/or Blimp-1, the method comprising: providing the antibody producing cell with a nucleic acid molecule encoding a peptide comprising BCL6; and increasing an expression level of Blimp-1 in the antibody producing cell by culturing the antibody producing cell in the presence of IL-21 and/or IL-10, or by providing the antibody producing cell with STAT3; wherein the antibody producing cell produces antibodies against an antigen of interest.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the antibody producing cell is from a subject previously exposed to the antigen of interest.
 8. A method for inclueasing an antibody producing cell's replicative life span, the method comprising: providing a B cell with a polynucleotide encoding a peptide comprising the BCL6 to enhance the B cell's stability; and culturing the B cell with IL-21, IL-10, and/or STAT3 to increase expression of Blimp-1 in the B cell, so as to increase the B cell's replicative life span.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the BCL6 forms a fusion protein. 